How to remove the Trash Icon in Ubuntu 18.04

Understanding the Trash Icon in Ubuntu 18.04

Ubuntu 18.04, a popular linux distribution known for its user-friendly interface and robust performance, features a neatly organized desktop environment that includes a variety of icons for easy access. Among these is the Trash icon, which serves as a temporary holding place for files that users wish to delete. While many users find this icon helpful, others may prefer a cleaner desktop or have different workflow preferences that do not require the visual presence of the Trash. This detailed guide will help you understand the steps necessary to remove the Trash icon from your Ubuntu 18.04 desktop.

Why Remove the Trash Icon?

Before delving into the steps to remove the Trash icon, it is essential to understand why one might choose to do this. Here are some reasons:

• Minimalist Desktop: Some users prefer a minimalist desktop aesthetic, free of any icons that they do not frequently use.
• Productivity: Reducing visual clutter can help some users enhance focus and productivity, allowing them to concentrate on the tasks at hand.
• Customization: Linux operating systems are renowned for their flexibility and customization options. If you want a user interface that reflects your personality, removing unnecessary icons can be part of that process.

How to Remove the Trash Icon: A Step-by-Step Guide

The steps to remove the Trash icon may vary slightly depending on the desktop environment you are using (for example, GNOME, which is default in Ubuntu 18.04). Below is a comprehensive guide for removing the Trash icon using the GNOME interface.

Step 1: Open the Terminal

To begin, you will need to access the Terminal. You can do this by:

1. Pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard.
2. Alternatively, you can search for “Terminal” in the applications menu.

The Terminal is the command-line interface that allows you to interact directly with the system.

Step 2: Check for the current desktop environment

While Ubuntu 18.04 primarily uses GNOME, determining your active desktop environment is still useful, especially if you switch between environments or use other versions of Ubuntu. To check your desktop environment, simply run the following command:

bash
echo $XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP

If the output reflects GNOME (as expected), you can proceed with the further steps.

Step 3: Install gnome-tweak-tool

gnome-tweak-tool, also known as GNOME Tweaks, is a powerful utility that allows you to modify various aspects of the GNOME desktop environment.

1. In the Terminal, enter the following command:

   bash
   sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

2. Input your password when prompted and confirm the installation.

Once installed, you can easily manage the desktop settings.

Step 4: Remove the Trash Icon

After installing GNOME Tweaks, follow these steps:

1. Launch GNOME Tweaks from the applications menu, or type gnome-tweaks in the Terminal.
2. In the GNOME Tweaks application, navigate to the “Desktop” section in the left panel.
3. Look for an option that states “Show Trash Icon” or similar.
4. Toggle this option off.

That’s it! The Trash icon should now be removed from your desktop.

Additional Customizations

While removing the Trash icon is a significant step toward achieving a clutter-free desktop, you might want to explore further customizations:

Hiding Other Icons

If removing the Trash icon was a part of a broader aesthetic goal, you might also want to hide other desktop icons such as the Home folder or Computer icon:

1. Use the GNOME Tweaks tool as described above.
2. In the “Desktop” section, you can toggle off other unwanted icons.

Changing the Icon Theme

Ubuntu allows for icon customization. If you’re aiming for a specific aesthetic, you may consider changing the icon theme altogether. Here’s how:

1. In GNOME Tweaks, go to the “Appearance” section.
2. Under “Icons,” you can select a different icon theme. You can download various themes from websites like GNOME-Look.org for more options.

Resetting to Default

If, after a period of time, you find that you miss the Trash icon, reverting back to the default settings is just as simple:

1. Go back to GNOME Tweaks.
2. Toggle back the setting for the Trash icon to “On” under the “Desktop” section.

Conclusion

Removing the Trash icon in Ubuntu 18.04 is a simple process that requires a few straightforward commands and adjustments within the GNOME Tweaks tool. Not only does this action fulfill aesthetic preferences, but it also allows for a more personalized and efficient workspace. Remember, Linux is all about customization, and the freedom to modify your environment to suit your needs is one of its most appealing features.

FAQ

1. Can I recover files from the Trash after removing the icon?

• Yes, the Trash functionality remains active even if the icon is removed. You can access it via the file manager by navigating to the corresponding option.

2. Will removing the Trash icon affect the deletion process of files?

• No, it will not affect how files are deleted. Files will still move to the Trash when you choose to delete them; however, you will need to access the file manager to manage them.

3. Can I restore the Trash icon later if I change my mind?

• Absolutely! You can restore the Trash icon by following the same steps in GNOME Tweaks and toggling the setting back on.

4. Is there a way to delete files permanently instead of moving them to Trash?

• Yes, you can press Shift + Delete on any file to bypass the Trash and delete it permanently.

5. Can I use other desktop environments and remove the Trash icon as well?

• Yes, other desktop environments like XFCE or KDE have their own tools and methods for icon management. You may need to look into environment-specific guides.

6. How can I find more information on customizing Ubuntu?

• You can find extensive resources in the Ubuntu documentation, forums, or community sites dedicated to Linux customization. Websites like AskUbuntu and Ubuntu Forums are great starting points.